Banta shareholders advised to sell stock, Details Plant Closings

Monday, October 09, 2006

Press release from the issuing company

October 9, 2006 -- (WhatTheyThink.com) -- On Friday, Banta identified the facilities that it previously announced would be closed or sold as part of its strategic initiatives designed to reduce costs. The outcome of this process resulted in the decision to close two facilities, put one facility up for sale and consolidate three facilities into a single new location.
- Banta’s Eden Prairie, MN, book printing plant will close by the end of the year, affecting up to 72 employees. Banta says the facility is too small to remain competitive and viable.
- The Spanish Fork, UT, literature management and fulfillment facility will also close by year-end, affecting up to 17 employees.
- Banta’s Danbury, CT, direct marketing printing plant is being offered for sale. The plant employs approximately 200 employees. While the plant continues to have strong customer support, its focus on the general commercial print segment of the market no longer aligns with Banta’s strategy to emphasize specialized and highly personalized direct marketing materials.
- Three book fulfillment facilities will be closed and consolidated into a new and larger fulfillment center. Services provided at Banta’s Appleton, WI, Menasha, WI, and Kaukauna, WI, facilities will be moved to a single, yet-to-be-determined location nearby over the next 6 to 12 months, affecting up to 75 employees.
An additional reduction of up to 150 employees has already begun across the corporation as redundancies have been identified in management and administrative positions due to the Print Sector reorganization from five divisions to two. In total, 500 positions will be affected as part of the print division consolidation, facility closings and sale of the Danbury plant.
Banta announced this move just 3 days after Cenveo raised their price to $50 per share. Banta has not commented on Cenveo's new price, but it seems clear that Banta does not want to be owned by Cenveo. Robert W. Baird & Co., an international investment banking and finance firm, covers Banta for its clients. Craig Kennison, chief financial analyst, discussed Baird’s view in a report released on October 4th. Baird advises shareholders to take the profits as the stock approaches $50 - "especially considering the downside risk absent the Cenveo or a third-party offer."
Banta's stock has not risen to $50 per share since Cenveo raised their offer. Banta shares fell 20 cents to $47.90 on Friday.